An Africana League Fact Check

An Africana League Fact Check

By Muruako Emmanuel. 

Did Femi Falana (SAN) issue a warning to travelers about kidnappers disguised in police/military uniform?

Verdict:  INCORRECT 

The Claim: A viral message alleging that Femi Falana (SAN) issued a warning to travelers who ply the Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos expressway to beware of kidnappers dressed in police and military uniform. 

The Fact:The message has been in circulation across social media platforms since last year. Our search shows that a Facebook page, News made the post on October 30th, 2018. 

Africana League M-10 fact-checkers contacted Femi Falana who denied ever making the comment attributing it to mischief makers;

“I have repeatedly maintained that I never issued this statement. But out of mischief, some people have continued to ascribe it to me.

Do kidnapers pose as police and military men?

The Punchng reported that three men, including a lance corporal of the Nigerian army disguised as soldiers were on May 24th, 2019 arrested for kidnapping in Anambra State. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed reportedly warned the public to beware of a new trend of kidnapping in military disguise.

This year, Nigeria has recorded several kidnapping cases, of which most happened on the Abuja-Kaduna route, and a few others on the Lagos-Benin route.

Conclusion: The viral message didn't originate from Femi Falana (SAN). However, it is true that some kidnappers parade themselves in police and military uniform to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.